August 2026 Newsletter

A Message from Our Team

August has been a month of powerful stories, important campaigns and reasons to hope. From Jessi Abbey’s campaign for access to Skyclarys and Theresa’s story of living with Hurler syndrome, to new Disability Matters interviews and upcoming community events, this month’s newsletter highlights the people and issues at the heart of independent living.

This Month at a Glance

🎙 Disability Matters: New conversations on brain injury, cerebral palsy and advocacy
💪 Jessi’s Campaign: From speaking out to a major breakthrough on Skyclarys
📖 Theresa’s Story: Living with Hurler Syndrome and building independence
📢 Coming Up: BCIL Community Expo for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
🚌 Budget 2026: What new transport funding could mean for disabled people

🎙 Disability Matters – Giving a Voice to Disability

Every Thursday at 4.00pm on Phoenix 92.5 FM, Disability Matters brings listeners inspiring conversations, practical information and powerful stories from people with lived experience of disability. Produced by BCIL and presented by John Comiskey, the programme highlights the issues that matter most to disabled people, their families, carers and the wider community.

Featured interviews this month include,

Rebuilding Lives After Brain Injury

An acquired brain injury can change a person’s life in an instant. But the impact does not stop with the individual — it can affect families, relationships, work, education, independence and almost every aspect of everyday life.

John Comiskey speaks with Catherine Lacey, Director of Service Operations at Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, about what happens after a brain injury and the importance of ensuring that people have the right support to rebuild their lives.

Living with Cerebral Palsy and Speaking Up for Change: Margaret Griffin on Advocacy and Accessibility

A powerful conversation with Margaret Griffin, Advocacy and Communications Officer with North Tipperary Disability Support Service (NTDSS), about disability rights, advocacy, accessibility and the importance of creating spaces where people with disabilities are heard, valued and empowered.

Finding Her Voice: Emma Ward on Disability, Advocacy, Representation and Making Change

What does it mean to grow up as a young disabled person and an Irish Traveller — and then decide to use your voice to challenge the barriers faced by both communities?

An Inspiring interview where John Comiskey speaks with Emma Ward, a journalist, podcaster, public speaker, disability advocate and wheelchair user.

More interviews on bcil.ie.

⭐ Living Independently: Stories That Inspire

Standing Up for a Future: Jessi’s Skyclarys Campaign

For Jessi Abbey, the campaign for access to Skyclarys was about much more than access to medication. It was about having more time — time to watch her five-year-old daughter Remi grow up, continue working, maintain her independence and enjoy the everyday moments that so many of us take for granted.

Jessi, who works at BCIL, lives with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), a rare inherited neurological condition that progressively affects balance, coordination and muscle function. She was diagnosed at 25 during the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, after experiencing years of unexplained falls and increasing difficulties with her mobility.

“I thought my life was over,” Jessi recalls.

Her condition has progressed significantly. She began using crutches in 2019 and became a wheelchair user in 2023. While the transition was initially difficult, Jessi now sees her wheelchair as a source of independence, allowing her to work, bring Remi to school, go shopping and continue living her life.

She has also become a passionate advocate for changing attitudes towards disability, believing people should see the person rather than the wheelchair. She wants children to feel comfortable asking questions about disability rather than being taught to see it as something to be embarrassed by.

That passion for challenging perceptions took on a new dimension when the HSE initially recommended against reimbursement of Skyclarys, a treatment that can slow the progression of FA.

Jessi describes herself as a private and shy person, but the decision pushed her to step outside her comfort zone and speak out. She began sharing her story on social media, taking part in radio interviews and speaking to the media about what access to treatment could mean for her and other people living with FA.

She also helped raise awareness of a public demonstration in Dublin, joining other people with FA, families and supporters in calling for access to Skyclarys.

For Jessi, the message was simple:

“I have a right to live and everything to live for.”

Her willingness to speak publicly transformed her from someone who had always been private into a powerful advocate for herself and the wider FA community.

And her campaign helped bring change. On 25 August 2026, the HSE announced that Skyclarys would be reimbursed for eligible patients with Friedreich’s Ataxia, following further negotiations with the manufacturer.

Skyclarys is not a cure, and it cannot reverse the damage already caused by FA. However, it offers the possibility of slowing the progression of the disease — something that could make a significant difference to Jessi and others living with FA in Ireland.

For Jessi, the decision means hope: hope of continuing to work, remaining independent and, most importantly, having more time to watch Remi grow up.

Her story is a powerful reminder that behind every rare-disease statistic is a person with a family, a career, ambitions and a future they want to protect.

To read Jessi’s full story and learn more about her campaign for Skyclarys click here

🏅 Raising Awareness

What Is Hurler Syndrome? Theresa Shares Her Experience

For Theresa, living with Hurler syndrome has been part of her life since birth. Hurler syndrome is a rare inherited metabolic disorder and the most severe form of mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I). It affects the body’s ability to break down certain complex sugars, which can gradually affect the bones, joints, organs and other parts of the body.

Theresa was diagnosed at birth and received a bone marrow transplant when she was younger. While there is currently no cure for Hurler syndrome, treatments such as stem cell or bone marrow transplantation and enzyme replacement therapy can help slow the progression of the condition and manage its effects.

Growing up, Theresa knew that she had a condition, but because Hurler syndrome is so rare, she did not always understand exactly what it meant. She attended regular appointments at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin when she was younger and continues to attend hospital appointments as an adult.

One of the biggest challenges Theresa experiences is with her bones and hands. Her fingers have developed a claw-like shape, with the tops of her fingers remaining bent. This can make everyday tasks, such as writing, more difficult. These are some of the challenges that may not always be immediately visible to other people.

Theresa also experienced difficulties socially while growing up. Although primary school in Blanchardstown was generally a positive experience, she faced bullying during secondary school. Eventually, she moved schools and had a much more positive experience.

Education and work have played an important role in building Theresa’s confidence. After leaving school, she attended the National Learning Network in Swords and Mulhuddart, completing Level 3 and Level 4 education. She later completed a Level 5 secretarial course through BCIL, developing skills that she hopes will help her pursue a career in secretarial work, ideally around Crumlin.

Since joining BCIL in 2024, Theresa says her confidence has grown considerably. As someone who describes herself as quite shy, working on the phones and speaking with people in the office has helped her develop her communication and people skills. She enjoys being part of the office and gaining experience across different tasks.

Theresa describes Hurler syndrome primarily as a physical disability. Because it is so rare, she feels it can also be a hidden disability — something that other people may not understand or even realise she is living with. She has not met many people with exactly the same condition, although she has encountered other people living with MPS conditions during her hospital appointments.

Looking ahead, Theresa would like to become more independent while remaining close to her family, who she describes as a great source of support. As the youngest of eight children, family has always been an important part of her life. She would love to have her own independence while still being close enough to the people who support her.

For now, Theresa is happy at BCIL and grateful for the confidence and experience she has gained there. Her story highlights that living with a rare condition is about much more than a diagnosis. Behind the medical appointments and physical challenges is someone with ambitions, skills, relationships and goals for the future.

Theresa hopes that people will look beyond her condition and see her for who she is — someone who wants to work, become more independent, build her confidence and make her own path in life.

📢 Advocacy & Campaign Spotlight

Eradicating Poverty Starts with a Safe Place to Call Home

Every year on 17 October, Ireland marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty — an opportunity to raise awareness of poverty, inequality and the barriers that prevent people from living with dignity and security.

In 2026, the focus is on the human right to adequate housing. Having a safe, secure and suitable home is more than having a roof over your head. For people with disabilities and others facing disadvantage, access to appropriate housing can be closely connected to independence, health, safety and the ability to participate fully in community life.

BCIL Disability & Community Support Expo

To help raise awareness and bring people together around these issues, BCIL will host a Disability & Community Support Expo on Wednesday, 14 October, from 2pm to 4pm at Hartstown Community Centre.

The event will provide an opportunity for local people to find information, discover available supports and connect with community organisations. Visitors can explore information stands, collect useful community support booklets and leaflets, and contribute to a Fact Wall exploring the links between poverty, disability and homelessness.

There will also be tea, coffee and refreshments, creating a welcoming space to meet others, ask questions and share experiences.

📅 Wednesday, 14 October 2026

⏰ 2:00pm–4:00pm

📍 Hartstown Community Centre

Whether you are looking for support, information or simply want to learn more about the challenges facing people in our community, everyone is welcome.

💶Budget 2026

What does Budget 2026 mean for Accessible Transport

Ireland’s Budget 2026 includes significant investment in transport, with several measures aimed at making travelling easier, more accessible and more affordable for people with disabilities.

But what could these announcements mean in everyday life for disabled people and their families?

€25 million for transport accessibility

An additional €25 million has been allocated for transport accessibility and retrofit measures.

The funding is intended to improve the accessibility of public transport, including upgrading existing infrastructure and increasing the availability of accessible vehicles.

For disabled passengers, this could mean better access to buses, trains, stations and other public transport infrastructure.

But accessibility is about more than the vehicle itself. It also means working lifts and ramps, suitable wheelchair spaces, accessible information, accessible bus stops and stations, and staff who understand the needs of disabled passengers.

€69 million for school transport

Budget 2026 provides an additional €69 million for the School Transport Scheme, with around 26,700 students with disabilities expected to benefit.

For families, reliable and accessible school transport can make a significant difference. It can reduce the pressure on parents and carers who may otherwise have to provide transport themselves, while helping children and young people get to school safely and consistently.

For a student with a disability, accessible school transport can also be the difference between being able to attend school independently and relying on a parent or carer to make the journey.

€940 million for bus and rail services

Public Service Obligation funding for subsidised bus and rail services will increase to €940 million in 2026.

Investment in public transport can mean more services and better connections, but increased services will only benefit disabled passengers if those services are genuinely accessible.

A bus or train may be accessible, for example, but the journey can still fail if someone cannot get to the bus stop, a station lift is broken, there is no suitable wheelchair space, or accessible transport is unavailable at the other end.

This is the “whole journey” problem. Accessibility needs to be considered from the moment someone leaves their home until they reach their destination.

€13 million for people who rely on private transport

Not everyone with a disability can use public transport for every journey. Some people depend on cars or accessible vehicles because of their mobility needs, or because public transport is unavailable where they live.

Budget 2026 increases funding for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme Fuel Grant from approximately €11 million to €13 million.

This recognises the additional transport costs faced by some disabled people who rely on private vehicles. It could be particularly important for people in rural areas, where public transport options can be limited and driving may be essential for accessing healthcare, education, employment and social activities.

Looking ahead

Budget 2026 represents a significant investment in accessible transport, school transport, public transport and private transport supports.

Accessible transport is about far more than getting from A to B. It is about independence, education, employment, healthcare and being able to participate fully in society.

The challenge now is to make sure the funding translates into practical improvements — and that accessibility is considered across the whole journey, not just at the point where someone boards a bus or train.

💡 Did You Know?

✔ BCIL has over thirty years’ experience supporting peer-led self-advocacy.

✔ Rare diseases such as FA and Hurler syndrome deserve to be recognised and supported.

✔ Budget 2026 provides €25 million for accessible transport.

✔ The Eradication of Poverty expo hosted by BCIL will take place on Oct 14th in Hartstown.

❤️ Get Involved with BCIL

BCIL welcomes volunteers who would like to support:

• Community events

• Peer support

• Advocacy

• Transport

• Administration

• Fundraising

• Befriending

Interested in volunteering? Get in touch with BCIL → https://bcil.ie/volunteers

📚 Resource Corner

Useful Supports:

Accessible Transport
Free Travel Scheme
Disabled Drivers & Disabled Passengers Scheme
Transport Support for Students with Disabilities
Local Authority Housing Supports
Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI)
Citizens Information
Family Carers Ireland

If you’re unsure where to begin, BCIL is always happy to help point you in the right direction.

💬 Quote of the Month

“I have a right to live and everything to live for.” — Jessi Abbey

🌟 This Month’s Question

What does independent living mean to you?

Whether it’s having your own home, choosing where you work, getting around your community, making your own decisions or simply having the freedom to live life on your own terms, we’d love to hear what independence means to you.

🔜 Looking Ahead

Next month we’ll bring you:

Celebrating more voices and personal journeys from our community
New conversations and perspectives on Disability Matters
Updates on upcoming BCIL activities, events and opportunities
Practical information to support independence and everyday living
New connections and collaborations across our local community
Following the campaigns and issues that are creating positive change

📬 Stay Connected

Subscribe to receive the BCIL Monthly Newsletter and stay connected with everything happening across our community.

Each edition brings you, Inspiring stories → Disability advocacy → Community news → Independent living resources → Upcoming events → Volunteer opportunities → Practical supports

Visit the BCIL website to:

🎙 Listen to Disability Matters
📖 Read the latest BCIL stories
❤️ Get involved as a volunteer or community partner

Also follow us on Social Media:

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/BCIL.ie/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/independentliving23

Barbara Brennan - Programme Coordinator for See Change, the National Stigma Reduction Partnership, where she has been promoting mental health awareness and stigma reduction for a decade. 28.06.23.-1
Stephen Hodnett - Occupational Therapist with the organisation and developing telehealth services for DCD with the University of Limerick. Dyspraxia Ireland. 28.06.23.-2
Roseanne Joyce - has been doing some work experience with the Home Help section of BCIL. 22.06.2023.-1
Karen Smith of BCIL - discussing the ongoing issue of Changing Places. 22.06.2023.-2
Michael White - discussing his late wife Kay O’Shea who was a longstanding Disability Rights activist and the issue of access at Spike Island in Cork. 22.06.2023.-3
Shelly Gaynor - Peer Mentor of ILMI. Shelly directs a Personal Assistants Service through her own company shellyonwheels. Giving disabled people complete control over their own lives. 04.07.2023.-1
Wunmi Excel Ategie- social care practitioner and a humanitarian actor. She has over 20 years experience of working with the deprived and under-represented groups. 04.07.2023.-2
Laura - OPhilbin- Interim Research & Policy Manager at The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. Management and activities of the Research & Policy Team.Laura holds a PhD from the Dementia Services Development Centre at Bangor University in Wales in addition to a BA in Psychology from University College Dublin. 28. 07. 2023. https://www.carealliance.ie info@carealliance.ie Ph. 01 874 7776
Helen Baxter - Play volunteer in Children In Hospital Ireland At the heart of Children in Hospital Ireland’s work is its play service which is now available to children in hospitals throughout Ireland. Charity managing a voluntary service in Irish hospitals. By providing engaging and supportive play in wards, playrooms, emergency departments and outpatient departments, Children in Hospital Ireland play volunteers nurture curiosity and creativity and provide distraction from the stress of being in hospital. Sandyford, Dublin 18. 28. 07. 23. Ph: 01 290 3510 https://childreninhospital.ie info@childreninhospital.ie
Amy Kelly - Head of Communications and Fundraising at Crohn's & Colitis Ireland CCI Director, who lives with Crohn’s disease. Crohn's and Colitis Ireland is a support organisation in Ireland for people who are living with, or impacted by, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD). Some of the negative impacts of living with IBD may include social exclusion, unemployment/under-employment,etc. 28. 07. 23. Ph.: +353 1 531 2983 https://crohnscolitis.ie info@crohnscolitis.ie
Clodagh- Hogan-The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation was set up in 1997 by Jonathan Irwin and his wife Mary Ann O’Brien (founder Lily O’Brien’s chocolates), in memory of their son Jack who suffered a brain trauma shortly after birth that left him developmentally delayed and shattered the dreams and hopes of his parents. 04. 08. 2023.
Fleachta Phelan - DFI organisation working with people with disabilities to implement the UN CRPD and ensure their equal participation in society. 10. 08. 2023.
Joyce Ogunyemi is an International Development and Education expert and a British qualified teacher (PGCE Maths Specialist). Before her teaching career, Joyce devoted over 20 years in the international development sector to environmental conservation and sustainable development causes, justice sector reform and policy development, human rights advocacy, fundraising/donor relation and implementation of intervention programmes. As an education consultant, Joyce worked in Rwanda where she assessed the quality of an educational programme and delivery method to ensure the quality of provision. She was also a researcher with the National Universities Commission Abuja where she assessed the quality of tools used in the accreditation of programmes in Nigerian universities. 06.09.2023
Make Way Day 2023 - Interview with Geraldine Rooney and Karen Smith. Seeks to bring the disabled and the wider community together to consider how people with disabilities use the various public spaces we share. It is a chance for the disabled community to come together and find solutions to improve the lives of those with different abilities. The campaign is led by the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI), and it is a collaboration between the different government and voluntary sectors. #MakeWayDay23 on Friday 22nd September, will help bring about this change, by creating awareness of the access issues faced by the people, as they go about their daily business.
Paula Harris - Crosscare services Manager, Community Food Services I have worked in three different Crosscare services – Portland Row, Holles Row and Dun Laoghaire since 1992. I have seen all sides of poverty in my time with Crosscare. The one thing that doesn’t change is how we treat people – with love, respect and dignity. That is what has kept me with Crosscare – how we treat the clients – how we treat each other. Tel: 01 836 0011 Email: info@crosscare.ie https://crosscare.ie/
Emilie Conway - jazz singer, composer and lyricist. DADA: Disabled Artists & Disabled Academics Campaign for Human & Cultural Rights Emilie is a founding artist of a new movement, the DADA Campaign for Human and Cultural Rights. Emilie was prompted to become more vocal on the rights of people with disabilities from her own experiences, heightened by the relative absence of disabled peoples’ voice throughout the pandemic, compounded yet again, as the society opens up. DADA stands for Disabled Artists & Disabled Academics attesting to the coterie Emilie’s “speaking up” attracted to her over the past year. DADA’s mission is to achieve greater equity for disabled people by pointing out and challenging barriers to full participate and contribution to the arts, culture, economy and whole of society. DADA aims to achieve this through creation of art that builds public awareness, engaging with media, and building transformative relationships with Arts and Cultural Institutions and Government, see media, for more equitable policy and practice in line with UNCRPD. If you would like to get involved please email dadacampaign@gmail.com and follow us on Twitter: @DADACampaign https://www.emilieconway.ie
Peter Kearns Cross Border Social Inclusion Project Manager and Co-ordinator for Independent Living Movement Ireland. (ILMI)
Sarah Keogh - Coeliac Disease, Gluten intolerance Sarah Keogh, a dietician who works actively with The Coealic Society of Ireland, explained that the disease remains undetected amongst thousands of Irish people Coeliac Disease (pronounced see-lee-yak) is an autoimmune disease which causes some adults and children to react adversely to gluten in food. Gluten is the protein in wheat, barley and rye. These grains are common ingredients in foods such as bread, cakes, pasta, beer, pizza and other manufactured foods.
Acquired Brain Injury Ireland - Brain Injury Support & ServicesOur expert teams support individuals and families recovering from the impacts of brain injury by offering services and tools that help them live their fullest lives with confidence. 25.09.2024
Alannah Brady - BCIL employee Crohn's & Colitis 18.10.2024
Bathroom Adaptions Bathroom Adaptations is one of Irelands leading providers of high quality domestic and commercial bathroom conversions. Our staff have over 20 years experience in the area of products and services for the eldery and the disabled so an expert, professional service is guaranteed to all clients.18.10.2024
Carmel Doyle RNID, RCN, RNT, BSc, PgDip CHSE, MSc Nursing is an Assistant Professor and Head of Intellectual Disability Nursing at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College, Dublin. 18.10.2024
Christina Donnelly, National Co Ordinator, Chronic Pain Ireland Chronic pain is a complex, multi-faceted disease that prevents people from enjoying a full life A lack of understanding within the healthcare system and society only compounds the physical and emotional distress caused by persistent pain. Many people live with pain for years before they get a proper diagnosis. 25.09.2024
Eilish Burke - Ageing and Intellectual Disability Dr. Eilish Burke RGN RNID BNS MSc PhD is the Ussher Assistant Professor in Ageing and Intellectual Disability and the Associate Director of the Centre for Excellence in Ageing and Intellectual Disability. 18.09.2024
Fiona Armitage, a person with Chronic Pain. 03.10.2024
Ciaran Garrett of Hail Housing, Ireland’s specialist mental health housing association - HAIL Providing the key to independent living since 1985 through high quality social housing and mental health tenancy sustainment services. Our housing management team ensures that the highest standards of accommodation are maintained and that our tenants are provided with secure tenancies in communities in where they want to live. 11.09.2024
Karen Charnley, As Chief Executive Officer, Karen provides strategic leadership for the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) including brokering relationships between the Institute’s 28 members (universities, hospices, health and social care organisations and charities), funders and key stakeholders. Karen leads the Institute Team and oversees the delivery of the Institute’s Business Plan across education, research, policy and practice, service user and career engagement and raising awareness. Karen also represents the Institute on key regional and national fora and contributes to palliative care policy and strategic discussions. 12.09.2024
Kathy Forde of Tick Talk Ireland, Tick Talk Ireland is composed of a small group of passionate volunteers wanting to provide accurate information about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Lyme Disease. 17.10.2024
Kate and Mary of Move For Parkinsons, Move4Parkinson’s was established in November 2011 by Margaret Mullarney who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2004. Since her diagnosis, Margaret has discovered that there is a huge range of activities that People with Parkinson’s (PWP’s) can undertake to improve their quality of life. 05.09.2024
Rachel and Orla of Narcolepsy Ireland, Narcolepsy Ireland is a voluntary organisation, which was set up to help and support people in Ireland with narcolepsy (and Irish People with narcolepsy all over the world). It provides a source of information and support to their loved ones, carers, employers and friends. 19.09.2024
Owen McGirr - Switchify app Hi, I’m Owen McGirr, and I developed Switchify, an open-source Android app designed to make smartphones and tablets more accessible for individuals with physical disabilities. As someone who has personally experienced the challenges of navigating technology with limited mobility, I created Switchify to address a need I knew was urgent: providing people with a simple, effective way to control their devices using adaptive switches 15.10.2024
Pascal Derrien - Migraine Association of Ireland Pascal is currently the CEO of Migraine Ireland and he is also a Board Member for IPPOSI and the Chairman of the Practitioner Council at SERI (Social Enterprise Republic Ireland 22.09.2024
Orla Veale, CEO Irish Thoracic Society The Irish Thoracic Society is the national organisation representing respiratory healthcare professionals throughout Ireland. The society is dedicated to championing excellence in the prevention, diagnosis, and clinical care of respiratory disease through its work in advocacy, education and research. 12.09.2024
Pioneering women The Voices of Fingal Women Pioneers program aims to establish a supportive platform for women, empowering them to articulate their leadership, deepen community connections, and impact local elections. 07.09.2024
Aiden Long - Communications & Strategic Engagement Manager (Asthma Society of Ireland) Asthma is a chronic disease but it can be controlled. Tragically, one person each weeks dies from asthma and 90% of these deaths are preventable. Through the delivery of health information, skills and support, we believe our programmes can raise awareness of asthma and improve people’s ability to control their symptoms and therefore reduce the likelihood of asthma attack. Our programmes are offered in a wide range of settings across all of Ireland. 18.10.2024
Lynn Boylan - European Parliament - GUE/NGL, Lynn Boylan is an Irish Sinn Féin politician who has been a Member of the European Parliament from Ireland for the Dublin constituency since July 2024. She was previously an MEP for Dublin from 2014 to 2019. From 2020 to 2024, she served as a Senator for the Agricultural Panel. Her priorities are: Fighting for Climate Justice and making sure this government doesn’t leave anyone behind in the transition away from fossil fuels. Campaigning for justice for the 48 victims who lost their lives in the Stardust Tragedy and their families. Fair tax reform to help hard pressed working families while generating sufficient revenue to invest in jobs, health, education, childcare and community services. 30.10.2024
John Mc Carry, Blue Stack Fondation - The Bluestack Foundation was established to provide direct supports to people themselves and direct supports to their families and carers. We raise most of our funds through the local community and a range of fundraising activities. We are heavily reliant on the generous donations of the local community and indeed the public who kindly take it upon themselves to fundraise on our behalf. 30.10.2024
Sarah Keogh - Coeliac Society of Ireland, We are a national organisation representing all coeliacs and gluten intolerant people in Ireland. We are also a European organisation which, as part of the Association of European Coeliac Societies, works towards European-wide legislation and research. We are everywhere!
Emma Clarke Conway & Eddie, Polio Survivors Ireland. We are the only organisation in Ireland providing practical support (and a listening ear) to people who had polio as babies or young children. Approximately 5,000 polio survivors in Ireland live with Post Polio Syndrome or Late Effects of Polio and have increasing needs as they age. With over 1,000 members, Polio Survivors Ireland works to ensure that survivors get proper support, services and information necessary to maintain their independence and dignity. (14.11.2024)
Reinhard Schäler, CEO and Founder - An Saol. Life and Living with a severe Acquired Brain Injury (sABI) To survive a severe Acquired Brain Injury is one of the most hard-hitting, life-changing events for the survivor, their families, and their friends. What makes it worse is that in Ireland families are left with no hope, basically having to fend for themselves. Shockingly, it is still accepted practice that survivors are sent to nursing homes – after a short assessment period in either an acute hospital or the country’s only National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) – to be ‘medicated, managed, and maintained’ for the rest of their lives. (21.11.2024)
Lynn Buckle, Award-winning Irish🦻Author (Chime - national charity, Deaf and Hard of Hearing people). Chime is Ireland’s national charity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. Through advice, services and our community we support those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, while also championing for equal rights and advocating for full inclusion in every part of society. (27/11/2024)
Shane & Karen - Taxi Transport Issues. Irish Wheelchair Association reacts to Transport issues across the capital.
Catrina Scullion - Classical singer (Soprano), Musician. Catrina is a highly accomplished and sought after Soprano soloist with an extensive and versatile performance background.
Amy Kelly, Head of Communications and Fundraising at Crohn's & Colitis Ireland, who lives with Crohn’s disease. Crohn's and Colitis Ireland is a support organization in Ireland for people who are living with, or impacted by, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD). (09.12.2024)
Sean Brennan, is the founder of the charity Bikers Ride Out For Prems. The story of Bikers Ride Out For Prems started with a solo event by Sean Brennan called “Rev Up For Prems”, where he rode round Ireland visiting Neonatal Units and receiving sponsorship and accommodation from the very kind hearted people in Ireland. (16.12.2024)
Emma Wallace and Louise Patterson - Cystic Fibrosis Ireland - Cystic fibrosis is a multi-organ disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system.
James Casey - Christian Blind Mission (CBM) Ireland - CBM Ireland is a Christian international development organisation , committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the poorest countries of the world. Our vision is of an inclusive world where all people with disabilities enjoy their human rights and achieve their full potential 13.02.25
Amy Lavelle - Project Manager (Re-emerge project) - Care Alliance Ireland (CAI) We work with organisations to provide better information and supports to Family Carers. We provide them with opportunities to collaborate on initiatives including National Carers Week, a multi-agency and multi-disciplinary Family Carer Research Group, and joint policy submissions 11.02.25
Clann Mór - Intellectual disabilities - Clann Mór endeavours to empower the people who avail of our service by supporting the principal of person centeredness. This allows each person to exercise choice in decision making and to have greater control over their own lives, in accordance with their ability. Clann Mór’s objective is to enable people with intellectual disabilities to live meaningful lives of their choosing in their local communities, and to deliver this objective in consultation with them, their families and the local community working with all the stakeholders. 07.02.25
BEAM Srevices - Supporting Adults with Additional Needs - We have been providing training and services to adults with special needs since 2000. BEAM stands for ‘Barrow Valley Enterprises for Adult Members with Special Needs’ and is an integral part of the Bagenalstown and South Carlow area. We are generously fostered and supported by the community in which we operate, and in return, we make a significant contribution in a host of fun and practical ways. 14.02.05
Pearse Corcoran - Heart Children Ireland (HCI) - Heart Children is the national organisation providing support to people born with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) and their families. We work to help people with CHD of all ages to stay well, live confidently and enjoy life to its fullest. 12.02.25
Virge Connery - Clinical Director/ CEO - Chartered Behavioural Psychologist (PSI) -Virge is the founder of Behaviour Detectives and a frontline behaviour support services provider for individuals with Autism and challenging behaviours. She has been practising in the area of behaviours of concern and Positive Behaviour Supports over 10 years. Virge gradually moved to self-employment and has operated as a Behaviour Consultant with the HSE Disability Services since 2013. 04.02.25
Deirdre Lennon, Fundraising & Corporate Affairs Manager at Cheshire Ireland - At Cheshire Ireland we provide a vast range of services to people with both physical, sensory and neurological conditions, who often have very complex and high support needs. 21/03/2025
Ken Kilbride, ADHD Ireland - We are national level non-profit organisation dedicated to providing up-to-date information, resources and community building opportunities to individuals with ADHD, as well as parents of children with ADHD and the professionals who serve the ADHD community. 21/03/2025
Fiona Challoner Malone, Corporate Partnerships and Major Donor Manager - Down Syndrome Centre - Ireland’s only charity dedicated to clinical, educational and wellbeing services for children with Down syndrome from birth to 18 - and their families! 13/03/2025
Róisín Lonergan, The Creative Director (Five Lamps Arts Festival) - In 2007, while a teacher at Marino College of Further Education, Róisín approached Dublin City Council’s Arts Officers about the need for an arts festival in the Five Lamps area. The reaction was positive and Róisín was told that the Council would support it if she would initiate it. That she did and the festival is currently in its 9th year. 10/03/2025
IPPOSI - Laura Margia - “We are the collective voice of patients, science and industry in Ireland” 06/03/2025
Tara Regan, Communications and Advocacy Manager at Arthritis Ireland. Arthritis Ireland is the national patient organisation and health research charity representing one million people living with the condition in Ireland. (28.03.2025)
Vicky McGrath, CEO Rare Diseases Ireland. Rare Diseases Ireland (RDI) is the national alliance for rare disease patient organisations in Ireland, working across all rare diseases to improve the lives of the estimated 300,000 people living with rare diseases in Ireland. (31.03.2025)
Kim Tully, CEO Engaging Dementia. Engaging Dementia is a registered charity that provides training and resources for those who care for people with dementia in residential care, day centres, hospitals or the family home. Our training services are primarily for the staff of nursing homes, day centres and hospitals. Our resources are suitable for both formal and informal carers. We are involved in a range of community-based initiatives focused on supporting communication and engagement for people with dementia. (01.04.2025)
Joe Condon, Early Onset Parkinson's Disease. Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease (EOPD.ie) is a completely voluntary registered not for profit, providing peer Parkinson’s support all over Ireland. We are a small but committed team with big plans for the future of the organisation. (09.04.2025)
Gerry Murray, BCIL's Volunteer - Mental Health Café - Blanchardstown, Dublin. (10.04.2025)
Antoinette Tierney, Manager at Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL) (12.04.2025)
Aisling Shanley, Fundraising and Communications Manager at Childvision. Located in Drumcondra, Dublin, ChildVision is Ireland’s only dedicated centre for children with sight loss , some of whom also have profound sensory impairments and additional disabilities. We are a national resource for families and professionals needing expert help in the area of visual impairment or visual impairment and/or additional disabilities. We also offer a satellite service from our centre in Cork. (15.04.2025)
Carol Brill, Founder & Chair at Usher Syndrome Ireland. Usher syndrome (USH) is a rare genetic condition that primarily affects hearing and vision. Its main symptoms include sensorineural hearing loss and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a progressive eye disease that causes gradual vision loss, leading to night blindness and tunnel vision. Some individuals with Usher syndrome may also experience balance difficulties due to vestibular issues. It is the leading genetic cause of combined hearing and vision loss, also known as dual-sensory loss or deaf, blindness, affecting an estimated 400,000 people worldwide. In Ireland, it is believed that between 260 and 350 people are living with this condition. (01.05.2025)
Geraldine Rooney, Freda Brady, Claire Power - BCIL services. “Independent Living is about having the freedom to have the same choices that everyone else has in housing, transportation, education and employment. Independent living is about choosing what aspects of social, economic and political life people want to participate in Independent living is about having control over your life, to have a family, to get a job, to participate socially and to realise your goals and dreams.“ For many disabled people, Independent Living can best be achieved by the employment of Personal Assistants. Independent Living is not just about daily living. It is about self-determination, control, choice and the real freedom to make decisions Independent. Blanchardstown CIL is part of a nationwide group of disability organisations of Ireland. (07.05.2025)
Amy Kelly, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), World IBD Day. World IBD Day World IBD Day takes place on 19 May each year and unites people worldwide in their fight against Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, known as inflammatory bowel diseases. (12.05.2025)
Claire Power, in charge of the reception desk at BCIL & Frida who is the Home Support Coordinator at BCIL, speaking about a friendly team that helps Disabled Persons make their lives easier every day. 07.05.2025
Sharon Lane from Dyspraxia DCD Ireland to talk about what dyspraxia (also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder or DCD) really is, how it affects both children and adults, and what services are available for those living with the condition. 14.05.2025
Ken Rogan, Head of Communications, Cancer Trials Ireland. 15.05.2025
Stephen Murray, Engagement Officer and Mentor at Aspire Ireland provided invaluable insight into autism, neurodiversity, and the work Aspire Ireland does to support autistic individuals in Ireland. 21.05.2025
Dearbhail Mullan, Treasurer at Williams Syndrome. From early diagnosis to education, inclusion, and the joy of peer connection, this conversation highlights the unique strengths and challenges of those with this rare neurodevelopmental condition. 19.05.2025
Patrick McGeoghegan, Advocacy and Communications Manager at Epilepsy Ireland. 22.05.2025
Eamon McPartlin, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Ireland. 27.05.2025
Vanessa Martin (HRPPD), Brendan Heade (Actor) - Walk Ireland - is an inclusive society where communities value and treat all people as equal citizens. 27.05.2025
John Michael, Irish Guide Dogs. Our dogs enable people who are vision impaired achieve greater independence and mobility Guide Dogs act not only as a mobility aid but also as a constant support providing both safety and social benefits. (27.05.2025)
Mary Tynan, Before the Covid pandemic, between 10,000 and 20,000 people in Ireland were believed to suffer from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), now sometimes diagnosed under the name Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). It is thought that the figures have now grown dramatically. Many unfortunately have not been diagnosed. (29.05.2025)
Gerry Maguire from Hydrocephalus Ireland - his personal journey with Spina Bifida and why independent living, mental health support, and changing mindsets must be national priorities. 26.06.2025.
Rob O’Byrne - fitness coach, entrepreneur, and advocate for inclusive physical education for disability people. 26.06.2025
Dr. Una Molloy from the Irish Association for Palliative Care. 10.07.2025.
Melania, Mark, Ava & Abby from Stewart Care. 10.07.2025.
Máirín-Ní-Bheacháin creator of MoStyle and Tedx speaker. 10/07.2025.
Dr. Susan Marron and Dr. Frances Murphy, DCU (Dublin City University's Institute of Education). 17.07.2025
Sorcha Barlow, MS Support & Education Nurse at MS Ireland. 24.07.2025
Jason, Valerie, Padraig from Enable Ireland (provides services to children and adults with disabilities) 31.07.2025
Conor Dillon, Youth Ambassador and Joy Winston, Development Officer from Gaisce. 31.07.2025
Gerard John McGrath from Kingsriver Community, Person-centered Care with a Difference. 07.08.2025
Pascal Derrien – CEO Migraine Association Of Ireland. 14.08.2025
William O’Brien, CEO See My Skills. 14.08.2025
Anna-Marie Burke from Ashma Society of Ireland. 21.08.2025
Ciara Heffernan from Rehab Ireland. 21.08.2025
Shane O’Brien from Parkinson Ireland. 21.08.2025
Alejandra Livschitz, Head of Strategic Communications at Debra Ireland
Ken Kilbride: How ADHD Ireland Empowers Children, Adults, and Families. 22.08.2025
Adam Harris, is the Founder and CEO of AsIAm, Ireland's Autism Charity. 26.08.2025
Johnny Sheehan, The Wheel’s Member Engagement Manager. I joined The Wheel in 2016 and am responsible to ensure all our members are supported to work more effectively. 28.08.2025
Michael Breen, National Learning Network (Rehab Group). National Learning Network (NLN) is a leading Irish provider of personalised education, training, and development for people who face challenges in finding employment, including those with disabilities, mental health issues, or other support needs. 28.08.2025
Going Gluten-Free: Sarah Keogh on Living with Coeliac Disease. 12.09.2025
Fionnula MacLiam, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD Ireland is a national organisation which provides support and information to people suffering with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and TTM (trich/hair pulling). 17.09.2025
Naomi Fitzgibbon, Irish Motor Neuron's Disease Association (IMNDA). 18.09.2025
Ellen Jennings, BodyWhys Ireland. Communications Officer at Bodywhys, with a background in communications and human nutrition. (10.09.2025)
Carmel Doyle RNID, RCN, RNT, BSc, PgDip CHSE, MSc Nursing is an Assistant Professor and Head of Intellectual Disability Nursing at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College, Dublin. Her research and teaching reflects her interest in the areas of intellectual disabilities and children nursing. (26.09.2025)
Claire McGouran, WeAct, Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is brought to you by the Arts Council; it is a national moment, celebrating culture, creativity and the arts and seeks to actively promote the belief that this rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives, today and every day. (15.09.2025)
Ruth Lunnon, Snr Information & Support Worker at Headway Ireland. Headway Ireland provides services in the community to people affected by a brain injury, including stroke. We are an internationally accredited organisation and a registered charity. (19.09.2025)
Pierce Richardson, Make Way Day. Diversity and Education Officer, Disability Federation of Ireland. (23.09.2025)
Prof. Marcus Kennedy, World Lung Day. Breathing Beyond the Hype: Professor Marcus Kennedy on Vaping, Lung Health, and Protecting the Next Generation. (25.09.2025)
Victoria Spillane, World Stoma Day. Breaking Barriers: Real Talk on Living with a Stoma. (30.09.2025)
Aisling Kennedy, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) (01.10.2025)
Christina Hamilton, Diabetes Ireland (03.10.2025)
Caroline Kane Montague, Brain Tumor Awareness Week (09.10.2025)
BCIL Day - Interviews (17.10.2025)
Care Alliance, Zoe Hughes (21.10.2025)
Dr. Eilish Burke, (Trinity College Dublin) Adults With Intellectual Disability (22.10.2025)
Sorcha Nallen, Anne Sullivan Centre Ireland (24.10.2025)
Shane Rothwell, Lack Of Hoists In Hotels. (04.11.2025)
Kate Gray, Move4Parkinsons. At Move 4 Parkinson's we strongly believe in patient empowerment and in the ability of People With Parkinson's (PWP's) to improve their quality of life once they have been given access to information, tools and techniques which have been proven to work. (05.11.2025)
Dawn, Mental Health. “Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In”: Dawn Shares Her Journey Through Trauma, Mental Health Struggles, and Hope. (11.11.2025)
Reinhard Schäler, Saol Foundation. “Rehabilitation Needs a Revolution”: Reinhard Schäler on Building Hope for People with Severe Acquired Brain Injury. (14.11.2025)
Sinead Crawley, Sara Prodoni, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland. Brain injury doesn’t just affect the person who acquires it. It impacts the lives of their family, friends and loved ones too, as they come to terms with its physical, psychological and emotional effects. We’re here to help you understand brain injury. (17.11.2025)
Sinéad Hayes, Fingal Community Officer. In this episode, we talk about the importance of inclusion, independent living, and empowering people with disabilities through local initiatives and lived experience. (20.11.2025)
Angela Clayton Lea, Cancer Trials Ireland. (20.11.2025)
Dominic Cogan, Mindfulness Teacher (Self Compassion). On this episode of Disability Matters, Patrick O’Donnell is joined by mindfulness teacher Dominic Cogan. Dominic shares his own journey through anxiety and depression, and explains why self-compassion matters — not just relaxation or “positive thinking,” but real kindness toward ourselves. He unpacks what mindfulness really is, how self-compassion differs from pity or sugar-coated optimism, and offers a short guided practice listeners can try at home. (24.11.2025)
Emma Clarke Conway, Mick Keegan, Polio Survivors Ireland. In this episode of Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Emma Clarke Conway, Operations Manager at Polio Survivors Ireland, and Mick Keegan, who contracted polio as a baby and now lives with the late effects of polio and post-polio syndrome.(25.11.2025)
Strengthening Independence Through Vision Support in Ireland: David Redmond on Life & Technology. 21/01/2026
What does real peer support look like — Geraldine Rooney, Development Officer BCIL 11/02/2026
Victoria Spillane, Crohns & Colitis Ireland. Crohn's and Colitis Ireland is a support organization in Ireland for people who are living with, or impacted by, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD). 09.03.2026
Shelly Gaynor, Peer Mentoring Worker at ILMI. Shelly recently joined the ILMI team as Peer Mentor for the Greater Dublin Area. (10.03.2026)
Sorcha Barlow, MS Support and Education Nurse. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition affecting the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain and the spinal cord. (16.03.2026)
Vanessa Martin, Human Rights and Participation Practice Developer. Our vision is an inclusive society where communities value and treat all people as equal citizens. (18.03.2026)
Acquired Brain Injury & Care Alliance with Sarah Prodoni and Jacqueline Moore. We had the pleasure of speaking with Sara Prodoni from Acquired Brain Injury and Jacqueline Moore about the incredible support services available for carers looking to rebuild their careers. (25.03.2026)
Funmilayo Akingbade, NCGI Impact & Influence Explained. We highlight the inspiring work of Funmilayo Akingbade and her role within NCGI, where she is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in her community. (31.03.2026)
Angela Donnelly, Fingal County Council. Angela Donnelly of Sinn Féin has been co-opted by the members of Fingal County Council to replace Cllr Aaron O’Rourke who resigned as a councillor due to time pressure. She represents the Ongar Local Electoral Area. (01.04.2026))
Roisin Lonergan, Artistic Director, The Five Lamps Arts Festival. The Five Lamps Arts Festival celebrates creativity, community, and connection in Dublin’s North East Inner City. Each year the festival brings people together through music, theatre, exhibitions, workshops, and performances that reflect the spirit and diversity of the neighbourhood. (07.04.2026)
Kate Gray, Secretary Fundraising, Move4Parkinson's We have a vision of a world in which People with Parkinson’s (PwP’s) are empowered to achieve their best possible quality of life. 8.04.2026.
Understanding Migraine with Naomi Thornton: Insights from Migraine Ireland. John Comiskey speaks with Naomi Thornton, Info Line and Migraine Support Officer at Migraine Ireland, about migraine — a complex neurological condition affecting over 800,000 people in Ireland.24/04/2026
Gerry McGrath, Kings River Community.John Comiskey speaks with Gerry McGrath on Disability Matters about his experience attending Kings River Community — a supportive day service that helps people build confidence, life skills, and meaningful connections.29/04/2026
Fiona Bolger, CEO of Spinal Injuries Ireland.According to the World Health Organisation a spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most devastating and life changing injuries that a person can sustain. 05/05/2026
Before we die campaign with Tony Murray.We sat down with Tony Murray from the Before We Die Campaign Ireland to discuss a critical issue facing so many families across Ireland.06/05/2026
Emer Mulvany, Cancer Trials Ireland - 21/05/26
Aishling Kennedy, MDI - 21/05/26
Donall Geogheghan, The Wheel - 21/05/26
Marion Lynch, Jack&Jill - 21/05/26
Naomi Fitzgibbons, Irish Motor Neurone Disease Foundation (IMNDF) - 21/05/26
Ciara Heffernan on Rehab Group's Mission. Changing Lives Across Ireland. In this insightful episode, John interviews Ciara Heffernan, Senior Communications Officer at Rehab Group Ireland, for an engaging conversation about inclusion, social impact, and the power of communication in driving positive change across Ireland. (04.06.2026)
Coreen Kelday, Brittle Bone Society. In this episode of Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Coreen Kaldé, Support Development Officer at the Brittle Bone Society, about Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), also known as Brittle Bone Disease. (05.06.2026)
Kate Gray, Living with Parkinson's in Ireland. In this episode of Disability Matters, we sit down with Kate Gray from Move4Parkinsons Ireland for an important conversation about Parkinson's disease, awareness, support services, and the realities of living with a neurological condition. (15.06.2026))
Ken Kilbride, CEO of ADHD Ireland. In this episode of Disability Matters, John Comiskey is joined by Ken Kilbride, CEO of ADHD Ireland, for an in-depth discussion about ADHD, its impact across the lifespan, and the supports available for children, adults and families. (02.07.2026)
Denise Dunne, Cystinosis Ireland. Cystinosis Ireland provides support and resources to families, medical professionals, researchers and others from the early stages of diagnosis through to adulthood. (17.06.2026)
Maureen Sweeney, Ataxia Foundation Ireland. Ataxia Foundation Ireland is partnering with Speak Unique to offer voice banking to everyone with ataxia in Ireland. (19.06.2026)
Shane Rothwell, wheelchair user. Marginalization of people with disabilities. Advocacy & Awareness-Raising. (20.06.2026)
Victoria Spillane, Crohns & Colitis Ireland. World IBD Day is held annually on May 19th. In Ireland, Crohn's & Colitis Ireland (CCI) leads the national campaigns to raise awareness for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Their initiatives include releasing educational guides, hosting patient conferences, and highlighting global issues like access to care. (25.06.2026)